The Digester
technology

Honor Robot Wins Beijing Half-Marathon, Beats Human World Record

A robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor won Beijing's humanoid robot half-marathon on April 19, completing the 21-kilometer race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds—faster than the human world record of approximately 57 minutes set by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo in March. Over 100 teams competed, nearly five times last year's field. The event highlighted China's rapid advancement in humanoid robotics, though some robots fell or collided during the race. Beijing aims to dominate the sector as part of its 2026-2030 five-year plan targeting frontier technologies.

· China · 13 articles
war

N. Korea Fires 7th Ballistic Missile of Year, 4th in April

North Korea fired suspected ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on April 19, marking its seventh ballistic missile launch this year and fourth in April alone. Japan's Defense Minister confirmed multiple launches with projectiles falling outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. South Korea's military is analyzing the missiles' specifications. The tests violate UN Security Council resolutions, though Pyongyang rejects the restrictions as a sovereign right to self-defense. Japan, the United States, and South Korea are coordinating their response.

· North Korea · 15 articles
crime

Victoria Cross Recipient Roberts-Smith Denies Murder Charges

Australian Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith has denied all five murder charges related to alleged killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, saying he will use his criminal trial to clear his name. The decorated SAS soldier spent 10 days in custody before being granted bail, with a judge citing expected lengthy trial delays. Four Australian soldiers have reportedly admitted to killing on Roberts-Smith's orders under immunity arrangements. A five-year federal investigation led to his arrest earlier this month.

· Australia · 12 articles
politics

Bulgaria Holds Eighth Election in Five Years as Radev Leads

Bulgarians voted Sunday in the country's eighth parliamentary election in five years, with former President Rumen Radev emerging as the clear frontrunner on the strength of an anti-corruption message and promises to combat poverty. Radev leads with around 30 to 35 percent support but lacks an outright majority. The fragmented political landscape has prompted analysts to warn that Bulgaria could face continued political paralysis, with crossed vetos between major parties making coalition formation difficult.

· Bulgaria · 11 articles
war

North Korea Fires Seventh Ballistic Missile Launch of the Year

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles from its eastern coastal city of Sinpo on Saturday, marking the country's seventh such launch this year and fourth in April alone. The projectiles traveled roughly 140 kilometers before falling outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Japan activated crisis protocols while South Korea held an emergency National Security Council meeting. The launches come ahead of a planned Xi-Trump summit where North Korea's nuclear program is expected to be a major topic.

· North Korea · 6 articles
disaster

Fire Destroys About 200 Homes in Sabah, Malaysia

A fire destroyed approximately 200 homes in Sandakan's Kampung Bahagia water village on April 19, displacing around 445 people. The blaze broke out at 1:32 a.m. and spread rapidly through densely packed wooden houses on stilts. Firefighters faced challenges from strong winds, low tide reducing water access, and narrow access routes. No casualties were reported. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government was coordinating relief efforts with Sabah authorities.

· Malaysia · 5 articles
crime

Torrance Man Charged With Attempted Murder of Officer

A Torrance man, Arturo Fernandez, 44, was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a Long Beach police officer multiple times during a confrontation in downtown Long Beach. Federal air marshals assisted in subduing Fernandez, who was taken into custody. The officer sustained multiple stab wounds, was hospitalized and later released. Bail was set at $1 million and homicide detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office next week.

· United States · 3 articles
politics

Trump Signs Order to Fast-Track Psychedelic Drug Reviews

President Trump signed an executive order Saturday directing the FDA to expedite reviews of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, and allocating at least $50 million to states developing psychedelic treatment programs for serious mental illness. The order was announced in the Oval Office with support from Joe Rogan, Health Secretary RFK Jr., and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Despite ibogaine being linked to over 30 deaths due to cardiovascular toxicity, a Stanford study found veterans treated with the drug showed improvements in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

· United States · 4 articles
war

Iran Slams EU 'Hypocrisy' Over Demand for Free Hormuz Passage

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday sharply criticized the EU for demanding free transit through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "peak hypocrisy" while invoking international law. The EU foreign policy chief warned that any pay-for-passage scheme would set a dangerous precedent. Iran re-imposed strict controls on the strategic waterway, which carries nearly a fifth of the world's oil and gas, in response to a US naval blockade. Meanwhile, over 100 international law experts from major US universities warned that US military conduct may violate international humanitarian law.

· Iran · 4 articles
politics

Iran Not Ready for Direct US Talks, Wants Framework Deal First

Iran has indicated it is not ready for direct talks with the United States, saying Washington has not abandoned what Tehran describes as "maximalist" demands. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said discussions have not reached the stage for face-to-face meetings, and Iran wants a "framework agreement" finalized first. Khatibzadeh called proposals to transfer enriched uranium a "non-starter." The Strait of Hormuz remains tense after Iran briefly closed it Saturday, though Khatibzadeh proposed a "new protocol" to ensure safe civilian shipping as indirect negotiations continue.

· Iran · 8 articles
crime

56 Bodies Found Abandoned at Trinidad and Tobago Cemetery

Police in Trinidad and Tobago are investigating the discovery of at least 56 bodies, including 50 infants, found abandoned at a cemetery in Cumuto, about 40 kilometers east of Port of Spain. Five of the six adult bodies bore morgue-style identification tags, and two showed signs of post-mortem examinations. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro called the discovery deeply troubling and pledged full accountability.

· Trinidad and Tobago · 3 articles